Overview & Reviews

Nissan was born in Japan, and like other marques from its homeland, the brand is known for crafting vehicles that place an emphasis on quality and reliability. The company's roster of products is broad, and includes sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs.

The automaker got its start in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, this outfit merged with another Japanese manufacturer, and the new company was christened Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Nissan initially marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand, with the first Datsuns being built in 1934. Postwar, the brand made its presence felt worldwide, building a partnership with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and establishing a presence in the United States. The first Datsuns hit American shores in 1958. Vehicles like the Datsun 1000 were based on Austin platforms.

The '60s witnessed Nissan's merger with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the Asian manufacturer create more luxury-focused vehicles. In the U.S. it began offering its first vehicle styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan. By the end of the decade, Datsun had exported more than 1 million vehicles. Datsun rose to prominence in the 1970s on the popularity of its 240Z sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car was coveted for its blend of style, performance and affordability. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker's cumulative vehicle exports had surpassed the 10 million mark.

In 1981, Nissan shelved the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker. The '80s also saw Nissan's launch of a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to American shores, with the construction of a Georgia-based plant.

The early '90s saw Nissan's fortunes rise in the U.S. thanks to fun-to-drive cars like the 300ZX, Maxima and Sentra. But this trend didn't last long and by the late '90s Nissan's offerings consisted of anonymous vehicles. The company's future was uncertain.

After the turn of the new century Nissan bounced back, helped by a 1999 alliance with Renault that boosted the company's finances. Its redesigned Sentra and Altima boosted sales and consumer interest, as did new models like the 350Z sports car, Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Today the manufacturer is known for offering a wide range of well-regarded vehicles, including the popular Murano SUV, the incredible GT-R supercar and the all-electric Leaf.

User Reviews:

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  Nissan 4 Alaska - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By g&s - May 16 - 2:00 am

  After looking at Ford, Mazda, Jeep, and Toyota our Frontier fit our budget for our move to Alaska. We tested it out by packing our bags for a two week Christmas/New Years Vacation from Tucson to Vancouver, WA. The trip up was great and uneventful, but on the way back home a winter blizzard was closing the interstate as we drove through it. While other 4x4s were using their chains, ours stayed in the box and the Nissan handled the snow-packed roads with extreme confidence. We are looking forward to taking this tough truck off the road in North Central Alaska for the next three years. Creature comforts and toughness at a very reasonable price.

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  Most Excellent Ride - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tucson Dave - May 16 - 2:00 am

  What can I say it has style grace and turn heads.. But...it loves only the best gas and needs more horses. I Love IT.

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  Nissan Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By krystaldragon - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive been researching this vehicle for two years now..it far exceeds anything else Ive looked at in comfort, drive, and looks. This car as class all around.

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  Love My Hot Lava - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By heinz57luvr - May 16 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a 4x4 I saw this Xterra siting on the used car lot and fell in love. I have liked the body style since they first came out. Even thought i love the yellow and silver I opt for what they call Molten Lava. I nicknamed her Hot Lava. It was the only car I test drove or even looked at and bought her that night. I traded in a 1999 Cavalier Z24 which I loved but Hot Lava is slowly winning over my heart. I like all the room but hate the lack of power when passing or taking off from a stand still the one thing I do miss from my Z24. Overall Im happy with my choice and hope to have many good years together.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By MST - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I have owned it for 2 years now, and I can say from experience that it is the best auto purchase that Ive ever made. The drivers seat squeaks when driving over bumpy areas for some reason, but the problem is minor. There have been a few recalls on the car, also, but all of the repairs were free.

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  Calif Desert Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By SoCal Titen - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Own the truck for a couple of weeks. Fun truck to drive. Excellent power especially from stop lights. Interior comfort with cloth seats excellent. Sound system w/ Fosgate has me thumping down the road. Speed sensitive volume control has to get used to. Purchased Crew Cab SE 4x2 with Fosgate system. Noting but smiles and thumbs up from everybody

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By MATTWJ420 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AWESOME IT DRIVES GREAT AND IS TONS OF FUN. I HAVE HAD 3 BMWS, 1 MERCEDES, 2 SAABS, A MINI COOPER, 2 ACURAS, AND A PORSCHE. AND THIS TOPS THEM ALL BY FAR!!!!

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  great family sized 350z - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lysupe - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This car performs great. We enjoy driving it and the kids love it. One caution, be watchful of the engine motor mounts. We had issues with one at 1500 miles but after keeping on the dealship, we got it repaired. It has a motorized motor mount and the entire assembly must be repaired..NOT only the mount!! BUT, otherwise...it has been a fantastic car!

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  i love this car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By jlm - May 16 - 2:00 am

  all around good car for the money

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  FanTasTic - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Natalie - May 15 - 9:36 am

  The Nissan Murano has the best fuel economy in its class. The CVT transmission ensures seamless driving and what I love the best about my Murano is the rear view camera (which is way better than a beeping noise) and that it handles like a car